Levofloxacin: What It Treats and What You Must Know

Levofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic used for respiratory, urinary, skin, and some abdominal infections. It works by stopping bacteria from copying their DNA, so the infection clears. Doctors pick it when other antibiotics aren’t a good fit or when specific bacteria are suspected.

It’s powerful, but not risk-free. That’s why you should know when it helps, when it can hurt, and how to use it safely.

Quick facts — doses, uses, and timing

Adult dosing commonly falls into two patterns: 500 mg once daily for many infections, or 750 mg once daily for more severe or complicated infections. Treatment length varies from 5 to 14 days depending on the infection. For urinary tract infections or simple bronchitis the shorter end is often enough; complicated pneumonia or intra-abdominal infections need longer courses. Always follow your prescriber's instructions — don’t stop early if symptoms improve, and don’t extend the course without medical advice.

Kids and pregnant people usually should not take levofloxacin because of potential joint and cartilage concerns. If you’re breastfeeding, ask your doctor.

Side effects and important warnings

Common side effects are nausea, diarrhea, headache, and dizziness. Some rare but serious risks deserve attention: tendonitis and tendon rupture (especially the Achilles tendon), peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling that can be long-lasting), central nervous system effects (anxiety, confusion, sleep problems), and QT prolongation which affects heart rhythm. If you notice sudden joint pain, new numbness, or mood changes, stop the drug and call your doctor right away.

Levofloxacin interacts with antacids, iron, calcium supplements and multivitamins containing magnesium or aluminum — these lower absorption. Space them apart by at least 2–4 hours. It can also increase the effects of blood thinners like warfarin and interact with some heart or psychiatric medicines, so tell your provider about every drug you take.

If you have a history of myasthenia gravis, severe heart rhythm problems, or serious tendon issues, mention that before starting levofloxacin. Your doctor may choose a safer alternative.

Buying levofloxacin online — safety tips

Levofloxacin is prescription-only in most countries. Don’t buy from sites that skip prescriptions. To check a pharmacy: look for clear contact info, a licensed pharmacist available, secure checkout (HTTPS), and verifiable license numbers. Avoid prices that look too good to be true and sites that ship from an unknown country without paperwork.

Ask for generic options if cost is an issue — generic levofloxacin is typically cheaper and holds the same active ingredient. If you’re unsure about a site or a product, consult your local pharmacist or use trusted resources to verify the pharmacy’s credentials.

Have questions about a dose or side effect? Talk to your prescriber or pharmacist. Good information helps you get the right treatment without surprises.